Display unit with illuminated frame for one vehicle and vehicle

Abstract

Display unit (1, 1', 1") for a vehicle, comprising a display screen (10) defining a viewing direction (100) of a user of the display unit and having an edge section (15) arranged next to the display screen (10) and extending perpendicular to the viewing direction (100), further comprising a transparent frame (11) held on the display screen (10) and separate from the display screen (10), which extends parallel to the display screen (10), is arranged on a rear side of the display screen (10) with respect to the viewing direction (100), projects perpendicularly to the viewing direction (100) over a side edge of the display screen (10) and provides the edge section (15), is torus-shaped and has a central opening (110) arranged on a rear side of the display screen (10) with respect to the viewing direction (100), and a light source (12) arranged in the central opening (110), which is designed and aligned,to emit light perpendicular to the viewing direction (100) into the transparent frame (11).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a display unit for a vehicle, comprising a display screen defining the viewing direction of a user of the display unit and having an edge section arranged next to the display screen that extends perpendicular to the viewing direction. The invention further relates to a vehicle with a display unit.

[0002] Display units of the type mentioned above are known in various designs and are installed, for example, in vehicles to provide a central information display (CID). Here, "vehicle" refers to a road vehicle such as a passenger car or truck, a rail vehicle, a watercraft such as a boat or ship, or an aircraft such as a helicopter or airplane. Of course, such display units are not limited to vehicles. They can also be installed in devices, buildings, or industrial plants, to name just a few alternative applications.

[0003] For example, DE 10 2019 205 167 A1 discloses a display unit with a planar carrier and a plurality of luminaires arranged on a front face of the planar carrier with respect to a viewing direction. In a central area of ​​the carrier, the area density of the luminaires is higher than in an edge section of the carrier.

[0004] DE 10 2019 206 564 A1 also discloses a display unit comprising a display screen and a cover glass arranged in front of the display screen with respect to a viewing direction. The cover glass extends parallel to the display screen, projects perpendicularly to the viewing direction over each edge of the display screen, and provides an edge section for the display unit. The display unit further comprises a light source arranged behind the cover glass and a light guide arranged and aligned to direct light emitted by the light source to a section of the cover glass projecting over the edge.

[0005] Also known from DE 10 2019 215 869 A1 is a display unit comprising a display screen and a backlight module arranged behind the display screen with respect to a viewing direction and extending parallel to the display screen. The backlight module has a central area, a transition area adjoining each side of the central area, and a border section adjoining each side of the transition area. Furthermore, the backlight module includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes arranged in the central area and in the transition area.

[0006] One object of the invention is to provide a display unit for a vehicle whose edge section can perform a plurality of functions. A further object of the invention is to provide a vehicle with a display unit.

[0007] An object of the invention is a display unit for a vehicle, comprising a display screen defining the viewing direction of a user of the display unit and having an edge section arranged next to the display screen that extends perpendicularly to the viewing direction. In other words, the edge section extends the display screen in a lateral direction. The user's viewing direction here is to be understood as a local normal direction, i.e., the direction of a normal vector in a section, particularly in the edge section, of the display screen. If the display screen is flat, i.e., defines a display plane, the viewing direction is constant across the entire display screen.

[0008] According to the invention, the display unit further comprises a transparent frame, separate from the display screen and held on the display screen. This frame extends parallel to the display screen, is located on the rear side of the display screen (relative to the viewing direction), and projects perpendicularly to the viewing direction over a side edge of the display screen, forming the edge section. From the viewing direction, the frame is partially obscured by the opaque display screen, except for the projecting edge section. The transparency of the frame allows light to pass through it. In other words, the frame can be illuminated. Thus, in addition to surrounding the display screen, the frame fulfills an additional function.

[0009] The display screen and the frame can form a laminate. The substrate material of the display screen can differ from the material of the frame, making the display unit adaptable to a wide variety of uses.

[0010] Ideally, the transparent frame is torus-shaped and has a central opening located on the rear side of the display screen, relative to the viewing direction. The display unit includes a light source positioned within this central opening, designed and oriented to emit light perpendicular to the viewing direction into the transparent frame. When activated, the light source illuminates the protruding edge section of the frame.

[0011] If the frame is designed without a central opening, the light source is advantageously positioned at the edge of the frame. In this case, the edge can have an opaque strip to diffuse the emitted light.

[0012] Due to the placement of the light source within the opening, the light source requires no additional space outside the display unit. In other words, the spatial extent of the display unit, relative to the viewing direction, is determined only by the thickness of the display screen and the thickness of the frame. This allows the display unit to be very thin and, consequently, flush with the surrounding surface in many locations.

[0013] Preferably, the display unit comprises a plurality of light sources arranged in the central opening, which are designed and oriented perpendicular to the viewing direction to emit light into different sections of the transparent frame. When activated, the multiple light sources selectively illuminate the entire protruding edge section of the frame.

[0014] For example, the display screen has a shape that is at least substantially rectangular, and the transparent frame extends beyond each side edge of the display screen. The rectangular shape is a very common and predominantly used shape for display screens. The frame completely surrounds the display screen. The protruding edge portion of the surrounding frame can have a constant width, meaning that the outer edges of the frame extend parallel to and at a constant distance from the side edges of the display screen. Alternatively, the display screen can instead have an elliptical or circular shape.

[0015] The transparent frame is advantageously made of, or comprises, a plastic or glass. The plastic is preferably polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), i.e., acrylic glass known under the brand name Plexiglas™. The plastic is easily molded.

[0016] The display screen can be configured to reflect light incident on it or to emit light to display content. In other words, passive display screens such as mirrors, for example, rearview mirrors of vehicles, also fall under the category of display screens within the meaning of the invention. An active, i.e., light-emitting, display screen can, for example, be configured as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or emit light by means of light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0017] In some embodiments, the display screen and the transparent frame each have corresponding curvatures. In other words, the display unit is curved. The curvature can be concave or convex relative to the viewing direction, or variably convex and / or concave in certain areas. Generally, the shape of the display unit can correspond to a mathematical manifold defined by a specific intended installation environment.

[0018] A section of the transparent frame that protrudes beyond the side edge can have an angled section. For example, a surface of the angled section facing the user's line of sight provides an additional user interface, enabling interaction via a human-machine interface (HMI). Of course, the additional user interface does not necessarily have to be angled.

[0019] In one embodiment, the display unit comprises a film arranged, relative to the viewing direction, on the rear side of a section of the transparent frame projecting beyond the edge, and which has an optically active microstructure and / or a touch sensor. The optically active microstructure is visually perceptible in the projecting edge section when the light source is activated and not visually perceptible to the user when the light source is deactivated. For example, the illuminated microstructure can represent a symbol, either visible or invisible, in particular an operating symbol such as a button. The film can be applied to the transparent frame and form a laminate with it.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the display unit comprises a film positioned on the front side of a section projecting beyond the edge, relative to the viewing direction, and featuring an optically active microstructure and / or a touch sensor. The touch sensor can be a capacitive sensor. The optically active microstructure can have a ring shape surrounding the display screen, acting as a ring light in the projecting edge section of the frame when light sources are activated. The ring light can illuminate the user, for example, during a video call. The film can be applied to the transparent frame, forming a laminate with it.

[0021] Any optically effective microstructure can be applied to a surface of the respective film.

[0022] Another aspect of the invention is a vehicle with a display unit. The display unit can, for example, be installed in the vehicle's instrument panel or center console and / or provide a central display screen, Central Information Display (CID), for the vehicle's infotainment system.

[0023] According to the invention, the display unit is designed according to one embodiment of the invention. The edge section of the display unit, i.e., the projecting edge section of the frame, can fulfill a plurality of functions and thus increases the utility of the display unit.

[0024] A significant advantage of the display unit according to the invention is that the display screen can have almost any shape and / or display technology and can be perceived as visually enlarged by a user, and the display unit can illuminate a user of the display unit during a video call and / or enable additional interactions for a user.

[0025] The invention is schematically illustrated with reference to embodiments in the drawing and is further described with reference to the drawing. It shows: Fig. 1 in a perspective front view a display unit according to a first embodiment of the invention for a vehicle; Fig. 2 in a cutaway side view which in Fig. 1 display unit shown; Fig. 3 in a perspective rear view which in Fig. 1 display unit shown; Fig. 4 in a perspective front view a display unit according to a second embodiment of the invention for a vehicle; Fig. 5 in a perspective front view a display unit according to a third embodiment of the invention for a vehicle; Fig. 6 in a side view that is in Fig. 5 display units shown; Fig. 7 in an enlarged view a detail of the in Fig. 5 display units shown.

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective front view of a display unit 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention for a vehicle. The display unit 1 can belong to a vehicle according to the invention (not shown). The display unit 1 is suitable for a vehicle and comprises a display screen 10 defining a viewing direction 100 of a user of the display unit. The display unit 1 also has an edge section 15 arranged next to the display screen 10, extending perpendicular to the viewing direction 100.

[0027] Furthermore, the display unit 1 comprises a transparent frame 11, separate from the display screen 10 and held on the display screen 10. The frame 11 extends parallel to the display screen 10, is arranged on a rear side of the display screen 10 with respect to the viewing direction 100, and provides the edge section 15 projecting perpendicularly to the viewing direction 100 over a side edge of the display screen 10.

[0028] The display screen 10 and / or the transparent frame 11 can, as shown here by way of example only and without limitation, have a shape that is at least substantially rectangular. In this case, the transparent frame 11 can project beyond each side edge of the display screen 10. Preferably, the transparent frame 11 is made of plastic or glass, or comprises plastic or glass.

[0029] The display screen 10 can be configured to reflect light incident on it, i.e., as a mirror. Alternatively, the display screen 10 can be configured to emit light to display content, i.e., for example, as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or by means of light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0030] Fig. Figure 2 shows a cutaway side view of the Fig. 1. Display unit 1 shown. The transparent frame 11 can be torus-shaped and have a central aperture 110 arranged on the rear side of the display screen 10 with respect to the viewing direction 100. The display unit 1 can also include a light source 12 arranged in the central aperture 110, which is designed and oriented to emit light into the transparent frame 11 perpendicular to the viewing direction 100.

[0031] The display unit 1 shown here comprises in particular a plurality of light sources 12 arranged in the central passage 110, which are designed and aligned perpendicular to the viewing direction 100 to emit light into different sections of the transparent frame 11.

[0032] The display unit 1 can further comprise a cover 16, which is arranged on the rear side of the frame 11 with respect to the viewing direction 100. The cover 16, like the frame 11, can have a central opening.

[0033] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective rear view of the in Fig. 1. Display unit shown.

[0034] Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective front view of a display unit 1' according to a second embodiment of the invention for a vehicle. The display unit 1' has the same basic structure as the one shown in the Fig. The display unit 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is used. In contrast to this, the display screen 10 and the transparent frame 11 each have corresponding curvatures. Here, the curvature relative to the viewing direction 100 is concave for example. Alternatively, the curvature relative to the viewing direction 100 can also be convex or variably convex and / or concave in certain areas.

[0035] Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective front view of a display unit 1'' according to a third embodiment of the invention for a vehicle. The display unit 1'' has the same basic structure as the one shown in the Fig. The display unit 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is located on the display unit 1. In contrast to this, a section of the transparent frame 11 projecting beyond the side edge has an angled section 111. This is merely an example, and not a limitation, of a section of the transparent frame 11 that, in the intended orientation of the display unit 1'', points downwards, i.e., in a negative z-direction of the vehicle as defined in the usual way, is angled against the viewing direction 100.

[0036] The angled section 111 includes microstructures 130 and / or touch sensors 140, which are described in more detail below.

[0037] Fig. Figure 6 shows a side view of the in Fig. 5 Display unit 1” shown. The display unit 1” can comprise a first film 13 which, with respect to the viewing direction 100, is arranged on a rear side of a section of the transparent frame 11 projecting beyond the edge and has an optically effective microstructure 130.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally, the display unit 1" can include a second film 14, which is arranged on the front side of a section projecting over the edge with respect to the viewing direction 100 and has an optically effective microstructure and / or a touch sensor 140.

[0039] Fig. Figure 7 shows an enlarged view of a detail of the Fig. 5 shown display unit 1".

[0040] It goes without saying that those in the Fig. The embodiments shown in 1 to 4 may each comprise microstructures 130 and / or touch sensors 140. REFERENCE MARK LIST: 1 display unit 1' Display unit 1" display unit 10 Display screen 100 View direction 11 transparent frames 110 central passage 111 angled section 12 light sources Slide 13 130 Microstructure Slide 14 140 touch sensor 15 Marginal section 16 Cover QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2019 205 167 A1

[0003] DE 10 2019 206 564 A1

[0004] DE 10 2019 215 869 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Display unit (1, 1', 1") for a vehicle, comprising a display screen (10) defining a viewing direction (100) of a user of the display unit and having an edge section (15) extending perpendicular to the viewing direction (100) and arranged next to the display screen (10), further comprising a transparent frame (11) held on the display screen (10) separately from the display screen (10), which extends parallel to the display screen (10), is arranged on a rear side of the display screen (10) with respect to the viewing direction (100) and provides the edge section (15) projecting perpendicularly to the viewing direction (100) over a side edge of the display screen (10). [2] Display unit according to claim 1, wherein the transparent frame (11) is torus-shaped and has a central opening (110) arranged on a rear side of the display screen (10) with respect to the viewing direction (100), and the display unit (1, 1', 1") comprises a light source (12) arranged in the central opening (110), which is designed and oriented to emit light into the transparent frame (11) perpendicular to the viewing direction (100). [3] Display unit according to claim 2, comprising a plurality of light sources (12) arranged in the central passage (110), which are designed and aligned perpendicular to the viewing direction (100) to emit light into different sections of the transparent frame (11). [4] Display unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display screen (10) and / or the transparent frame (11) has a shape that is at least substantially rectangular and the transparent frame (11) extends beyond each side edge of the display screen (10) and / or the transparent frame (11) is made of or comprises a plastic or glass. [5] Display unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the display screen (10) is configured to reflect light incident on the display screen (10) or to emit light to display a display content. [6] Display unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the display screen (10) and the transparent frame (11) each have corresponding curvatures. [7] Display unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a section of the transparent frame (11) projecting beyond the side edge has an angled section (111). [8] Display unit according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a film (13) which is arranged on a rear side of a section of the transparent frame (11) projecting beyond the edge with respect to the viewing direction (100) and which has an optically effective microstructure (130) and / or a touch sensor (140). [9] Display unit according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a film (14) which is arranged on a front side of a section of the transparent frame (11) projecting beyond the edge with respect to the viewing direction (100) and which has an optically effective microstructure and / or a touch sensor (140). [10] Vehicle comprising a display unit (1, 1', 1") according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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